Best Places to Eat Near Aldgate East

One of the best areas for food near our City Post Graduate Accommodation is Aldgate East. The area is just a few minutes’ walk from our student accommodation, it’s seen as an area that blends the best of east and central London. Aldgate East is close to the Square Mile (the original city centre) but is also near the modern business districts. So there is a wide range to see and do in this area. And there are plenty of choices of restaurants in Aldgate too. Continue to read on to find our favourite places to eat in Aldgate East.

10 of the Best Places to Eat Around Aldgate East

If you’re looking for something to eat in Aldgate East, you are spoilt for choice. From cheap eats to places that are meant to impress and everything in-between, you’ll also find traditional pub grub, vegan places and multicultural restaurants. You’re sure to find somewhere to eat. In no particular order, here are our top ten cafes, pubs, and restaurants in Aldgate:

1. Duke of Somerset

The Duke of Somerset in Aldgate is a hidden gem in London. It is just a 3-minute walk from Aldgate East underground station. With a large beer garden, for those days when England is warm enough to sit outside, and a decadent décor inside, this traditional pub in Aldgate is a great choice.

Serving traditional pub grub such as fish and chips, beef pie, and mac and cheese, there are also burgers, pizzas and tacos. This pub is also great for vegan food in Aldgate, with some vegan options available.  Or if you’re looking for something a bit special, they also have a bottomless brunch available, where you can have a table for two hours to eat and drink your fill.

2. Barcelona Tapas

With two locations in the city, the Aldgate bar of Barcelona Tapas is just a 2-minute walk from the underground station. This Spanish restaurant in Aldgate is bright and colourful, with a backdrop of mosaics and original art.

When it comes to food, this bar has a range of tapas to choose from, which makes it a great place for groups. You order tapas to share, so you get to try a range of Spanish foods here. There are traditional meats, cheeses, fish, vegetables and more to choose from. If you can’t decide, the Classic Selection gives a good variety. If tapas isn’t your thing there are also some paella dishes available.

3. Emilia’s Crafted Pasta

A little further away from Aldgate East Underground, at a 7-minute walk, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta is a traditional Italian restaurant. If you’re looking for some comfort food, this is the restaurant near Aldgate to go to. All the food on offer is made with freshness and simplicity in mind. And the pasta is made fresh every morning.

The menu is small, with eight pasta dishes to choose from, plus sides, salads and antipasti. This is also a good place for vegan food in Aldgate, as there are a couple of vegan options available. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat between lectures, there is also a Lunchtime Express Menu, where you can have a pasta dish (choice of three) and a side dish (choice of two).

4. 1947

1947 is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Aldgate which also doubles as a bar and pizza kitchen. Just a 3-minute walk from the Aldgate East underground, this is a great choice for vegans. Serving no-nonsense food at down-to-earth prices, it’s a stylish and cosey place to eat.

Where food is concerned, you are spoilt for choice! Choose from Indian dishes, pizza and pasta. If you have a few friends and can’t decide what food you want to eat, there are plenty of cuisines here to pick from. Or if you fancy some fusion food, try out their Indian Pasta.

5. The Alice Houndsditch

A traditional pub, just a 3-minute walk from Aldgate East underground, The Alice may not look like much from the outside, but enter and you will find a wonderland. Here you will find tank beers, and there’s a gin lab for the gin lovers, and of course, some good nosh.

When it comes to food, expect traditional pub grub such as fish and chips. There are also burgers and pizzas, with some vegan options too.

6. Unity Diner

If you’re looking for “dirty” food, Unity Diner is the place for you. This American-style diner is 100% vegan and just a 4-minute walk from Aldgate East Underground. Unity is even featured in Vogue Best Vegan Restaurants, so even if you’re a meat-lover, this Aldgate restaurant is worth a try.

For food, there are traditional fish and chips, and even “lobster” rolls. Burgers, hot dogs, loaded fries and desserts are also on offer, along with signature cocktails. Also, this is a great gluten-free restaurant in Aldgate, offering some gluten-free options on the menu. So this place to eat in Aldgate can be a good choice if you have a group of friends with a variety of dietary requirements.

7. Townsend

If you’re looking to impress, Townsend is the place to go. Found within the historic Whitechapel Gallery, just a 1-minute walk from Aldgate East station, this modern British dining room and café certain has the wow factor. It may be the priciest food place in Aldgate on our list, but it is worth it.

The menu here is ever-changing, as they only use seasonal produce. In fact, the menu changes daily! But you can expect meals such as oysters, rabbit and pollock. As well as the main menu, there are set menus too, so you can really make an evening of it.

8. Grounded

For a great breakfast, try Grounded. Just 2-minutes from Aldgate East station, this easy-going coffee house uses locally sourced ingredients for its food offering.

Breakfast includes traditional English, pancakes, omelettes and more. This café in Aldgate is also open in the evening and offers a small menu of burgers and grilled meats and all-day breakfasts.

9. My Old Place

This Chinese restaurant in Aldgate is a 6-minute walk from Aldgate East underground, but it is worth walking that little bit further. My Old Place specialises in Szechuan cuisine and offers traditional food at competitive prices. Inside, the restaurant is cosy with traditional Chinese décor.

You can expect traditional Chinese dishes here, with starters, soups, meat dishes and vegetable dishes, as well as rice and noodles. If you feel like splashing out with some friends, there are set menus that will definitely fill you up for not too much money.

10. Royal Kitchen

Under a minute walk from Aldgate East, the Royal Kitchen offers a no-frills dining experience. This Halal kitchen is a small place, offering a variety of Indian foods in Aldgate.

Think traditional curries, such as Dhansak and Madras, plus plenty of rice and naan. If there’s a group of you the platters are a good way to get a lot of food for not much money. At the Royal Kitchen, you’ll also find burgers and kebabs on offer.

Eating in Aldgate East

Whatever food you fancy Aldgate East has something nearby to satisfy your tastebuds. The area has a wide mix of places from old traditional pubs to modern eateries. The above are just our favourite places to eat in Aldgate East, but there’s plenty more to be discovered! If you’re looking for a night out, check out our favourite bars and pubs in Aldgate.